Suspect in Columbia murder captured in New Orleans

United States Marshals arrested Jimiah Lambert, 20, on Thursday morning in New Orleans, according to a Columbia police news release.

Lambert had a warrant out for his arrest in the murder of Dontay Tolston in early January.

Martrell Smith, 20, and Derrick Copelin, 17, were also charged in the murder. Court documents show that Smith claims Lambert is the one who pulled the trigger.

Smith claims he allegedly went to Tolston’s house on Newton Drive near Providence and Vandiver because of a drug deal with Lambert and Copelin.

According to court documents, Smith says Lambert pulled a gun after the exchange, and Tolston also grabbed a weapon. Smith says he ran once the gunshots started.

Investigators also arrested Copelin in New Orleans last month.

Columbia police said they have already traveled to New Orleans to interview Lambert. He remains in the Orleans Parish Prison, but is awaiting extradition to the Boone County Sheriff’s Department.

Lambert faces charges of second degree murder with a $1 million cash bond only.